Spain fortifies air defences with more NASAMS
Spain currently has four NASAMS units, of which some have been deployed in the Baltics. (Photo: Kongsberg)
Spain began the advancement of its air defence capabilities with the initiation of the NASAMS modernisation programme.
Spain has filed a notification of award for its National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) modernisation programme, aimed at increasing the existing capability and strengthening cooperation with Norway.
The €410 million (US$437 million) contract was said to be awarded next month and would see the modernisation of the existing air defence systems, as well as the procurement of additional NASAMS.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, Spain currently has four NASAMS units, of which an undisclosed number were said to be deployed in the Baltics as part of NATO’s Air Shielding Mission.
The NASAMS, previously known as the Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System, was originally developed by Kongsberg and Raytheon to meet the requirements of the Royal Norwegian Air Force. It was the first application for the surface-launched AMRAAM, a derivative of Raytheon’s AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile.
Ukraine had also been operating NASAMS in its war against Russia, with most of the donations provided by Norway. The system was considered one of the most critical equipment given to the invaded Eastern European nation.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Singapore’s interest in GCAP reflects its long-term approach to air power]()
Singapore’s interest in GCAP reflects its long-term approach to air power
A potential interest in joining GCAP is indicative of Singapore’s long-term and methodical approach to defence procurement and could benefit its local defence industry.
-
![Extending mission readiness: where XR adds real value in pilot, crew and maintenance training]()
Extending mission readiness: where XR adds real value in pilot, crew and maintenance training
Extended reality (XR) is becoming increasingly relevant in military aviation training, adding a flexible layer to an integrated ecosystem spanning the pilot, crew, and maintenance domains.
-
![US military tests AI-powered CUAS turret against drone swarms]()
US military tests AI-powered CUAS turret against drone swarms
As the US continues to invest heavily in counter-drone systems, demand for low-cost, mobile and autonomous technologies is on the rise, with Edda designed to align with these emerging requirements.
-
![August crewed air review: KC-390 momentum builds as demand in the tanker market grows]()
August crewed air review: KC-390 momentum builds as demand in the tanker market grows
The KC-390 is building a growing international operator base, but competition in the transport and tanker market is increasingly likely to depend on interoperability, commonality and the strength of supporting ecosystems. Meanwhile, Boeing’s KC-46 and Airbus’s A330 also gained ground in August.
